They're proud graduates of the 12 Year Club. Sandi Bloem served as Coeur d'Alene mayor for a dozen years before the next career door opened for her. Steve Griffitts served as president of the region's economic development organization, Jobs Plus, for 12 years, and a new career door is certain to open at any moment. They also have this in common: Both walked away from their powerful posts with heads held high. They felt they had done what they could, that it was time for somebody else to take over and, ideally, make things even better. Bloem is 72; Griffitts 59. They have plenty of horsepower left under the hood/Mike Patrick, Coeur d'Alene. More here.

Question: I told Sandi that I'd retire when she did. But now she's launching into another phase of an outstanding career as a local business & political leader. Dunno if I can keep up with her. Thoughts?